Block Heater Warms Up Studio Bell

Calgary Folk Fest partners with the National Music Centre to put on a four-stage party on Feb. 16 and 17.

January 16, 2018

Two of Calgary’s music institutions are joining forces this February for a winter music extravaganza unlike anything this city has seen before. The National Music Centre’s new Studio Bell museum and performance space was iconic in the instant it opened in 2016. It’s hosted several live music events in its elegant performance theatre and in the rebuilt King Eddy space, but now there’s something new: Calgary Folk Music Festival is programming four concurrent stages at Studio Bell.

Block Heater, now in its third year, heats up the winter months with the great roots, indie and world music we’re used to hearing at the Calgary Folk Music Festival in July. The event includes musical performances, collaborative sessions and even a film screening at various venues along the Music Mile in Inglewood. Like last year, Festival Hall and the Ironwood Stage and Grill host Block Heater, but in 2018 the main attraction takes place Feb. 16 and 17 at Studio Bell.

Catch local favorite psych-rockers Windigo at Canada Music Square, wander across to the King Eddy to see Cree Nation experimenters nêhiyawak, then settle into a seat at the performance hall for a cozy set from Nashville songwriter Justin Townes Earle. Or dance your face off to Delhi 2 Dublin at the Skybridge, Big Rock beer in hand.

Four stages means plenty of choices, and in the spirit of the Calgary Folk Music Festival, wandering between stages is encouraged (just keep in mind that each stage has limited capacity). The museum will also be open for exploring, and during Block Heater you can do it with a drink and some folky tunes to guide you.

Wristbands for the whole festival are no longer available, but you can buy individual tickets for the Block Heater Studio Bell bonanza on Friday and Saturday evening. There are also tickets available for the performances and sessions at Festival Hall and the Ironwood Stage and Grill.